YCSO warns residents of arrest warrant scam

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) has received an influx of calls regarding a warrant scam—where individuals impersonating a YCSO employee named "Deputy Evans" are calling residents to say a warrant is out for their arrest.

The impersonators make the call and proceed to ask for money in order to pay for the warrant or threaten that an officer will arrest you instead.

YCSO says the scammers will usually demand the money be paid by a money transfer, prepaid card or an online payment system.

They typically use the names of local officers and judges in order to seem legitimate.

YCSO offers a list of scams that have been reported in Yuma County:

Grandparent Scam: You receive a phone call from someone posing as a grandchild who is seemingly out of town and in a frantic situation. They could claim to be locked in jail, have had a car accident or are in need of medical treatment. They will want and ask for money to be wired to them.

Jury Duty Scam: This caller is allegedly someone from the courthouse who claims you failed to report for jury duty and a warrant has been issued for your arrest. You’re then offered a choice to either pay for the warrant or have an officer sent over to arrest you. The scammers will generally order that the money be paid by money transfer or by loading a prepaid card. They have been known to use the actual names of local officers and judges. They have gone as far as using devices that allow them to display local law enforcement phone numbers on your caller ID.

Utility Scam: This is another fear-based scam that involves convincing you that the utility company is about to cut off service due to unpaid bills. The scammers will naturally want money sent to them by money transfer or a prepaid card.

Lottery Scam: This scam seeks to convince you that you’ve won money in a foreign lottery. Never mind that you can’t recall ever entering one. The call will come from someone who sounds official. They’ll ask for a payment up-front for supposed taxes and fees so you can collect your winnings.

IRS Scam: The phone call appears to be from the police or an IRS agent who is requesting payment for overdue taxes.  If they’re not settled immediately, they call claims, you will be arrested.  They will want the money either wired or put on a prepaid card.

If you feel you have been a victim, please contact your local law enforcement agency.